Hoya vs B+W Filters (Page 3): He didn't ask whether to use a filter, but which one to choose.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

TonyP wrote:

I can't see any use for a UV filter in the digital age. Why use an extra piece of glass on a lens that is only going to be degraded by a piece of cheaper glass.
If you are looking for whatever protection it might provide the B+W is your best choice imo.
I use B&W ND and CPL filters, but only when needed (unless like recently I forgot to take the ND off and was having to use exposure compensation all day!)

He didn't ask whether to use a filter, but which one to choose.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

To “death and taxes”, UHH readers can add “protection filter/ no protection filter” as a third absolute in the cosmos. No matter what the original question in the forum is, if the words “ protection filter” appear anywhere in the post, regardless of the actual question, some here cannot control themselves and must pontificate that using such a filter is wrong and insist on bludgeoning those who disagree into submission. Give it a rest. Some of us have the temerity to disagree with you.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Just a suggestion. Since you already own both filters, why not try each on your glass and decide for yourself which, if either, is superior? Your real world, hands on experiences would seem to be a far better way to decide. No one on any forum knows the level of “imperfection ”, if any exists at all, you are willing to accept.

photoman43

cjc2 wrote:

My personal preference is B&W filters, which are all I use. Best of luck.

B+W are my filter choices too.

Hip Coyote

Rick from NY wrote:

To “death and taxes”, UHH readers can add “protection filter/ no protection filter” as a third absolute in the cosmos. No matter what the original question in the forum is, if the words “ protection filter” appear anywhere in the post, regardless of the actual question, some here cannot control themselves and must pontificate that using such a filter is wrong and insist on bludgeoning those who disagree into submission. Give it a rest. Some of us have the temerity to disagree with you.

Perfectly stated. It’s downright goofy. It’s all preference amongst a bunch of amateur (of which I am one) photographers. Over trivial matters.
Filter, no filter. Raw vs jpeg. LR vs what ever. How many is us operate at the edge of performance that any of this matters? One look at the gallery and who could argue many?

This is an example of a relatively unmoderated site. It allows a certain culture to exist which often is not positive. The attic should not even exist. But moderation takes time and efforts.

I belong to a camera club with a few very high end photographers. National if not world class. Not once have any of our programs discussed filters, canon v Sony v Nikon.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Hip Coyote wrote:

Perfectly stated. It’s downright goofy. It’s all... (show quote)

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Jimmy T wrote:

Yes, I know that the question is "Hoya vs B+W... (show quote)

Or I could save a lot of effort by posting and giving credit to CHG_CANON for digging up and posting the following:
https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/06/the-comprehensive-ranking-of-the-major-uv-filters-on-the-market/
https://www.provideocoalition.com/your-weather-sealed-lens-may-need-a-filter/
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-664117-1.html - At the Bottom of page one

Or: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-740126-1.html - Credit the late rmalarz

Best Wishes,
JimmyT Sends

Second Nickel: http://kurtmunger.com/dirty_lens_articleid35.html

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

Jimmy T wrote:

Or I could save a lot of effort by posting and giv... (show quote)

The LensRental article is really worth reading. Thanks to both posters for that.

BartHx

TonyP wrote:

edit: the, now, colour second photo looks good to me, focused on the clarinet.

I see a soprano sax. Where is the clarinet?

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

BartHx wrote:

I see a soprano sax. Where is the clarinet?

My mistake

at least I didn’t call it a trumpet

Amadeus Loc: New York

TonyP wrote:

Why not just reduce sharpening in the camera settings? The second one appears to have had a touch of HDR or something??
Cant see any problem with the first one. Nice portrait. Doesn't look oversharp to my old eyes.

edit: What happened there? You changed the second photo while I was answering.
edit: the, now, colour second photo looks good to me, focused on the clarinet.

I think that’s a saprano or alto sax.

OldCADuser Loc: Irvine, CA

I have UV filters on all my lens except two, the 400mm long telephoto and the 60mm macro lens.

As for the brands, I've got a couple of Tiffen's, a Bower and one AmazonBasics.

Miamark Loc: Florida

jbk224 wrote:

I have both Hoya HD3 UV and B+W XS-Pro 007M MRC Na... (show quote)

In the digital age, you do not need any UV filter and they function the same as a clear filter. If you are using one for protection, I would use the B+W clear. Not much difference if you are seeking only lens protection but the B+W is rated higher and a better choice IMHO.

steinr98

It is a fact that any glass(no matter who makes it) does cut down on light transmission and there are defects present. Yes we don't see that a in most cases but it is there. Why would one pay upwards of $2000 for a lens and put a $100 piece of glass in front of it? Glass has distortion again no matter who makes it- yes they do the best they can, but it is there. Oh yes, but it will protect my lens.... Ya? drop it and see how much protection is there!

ColoPete

I use either a CPL or a clear UV filter on all of my lenses, for reduction of glare and unwanted reflections (CPL) and protection of the front element. My brands of choice are either B&W or Breakthrough. Both use the same glass (Schott) and the Breakthrough is a little cheaper, but superb quality. Most of my shooting is outdoors, so there is a risk of blowing sand, dust, moisture, finger prints, as well as scratches and worse. I have never been able to see any degradation in image quality from the filters, and it is much cheaper to replace a filter than a front element or entire lens. I also use a lens hood for protection, so maybe I am just overly obsessive-compulsive but my lenses are all "like new" optically.